CATHOLIC LEAGUE TV AD WITHDRAWN

Catalyst October Issue 2001

Beginning Monday, September 17, the Catholic League was scheduled to run an ad on television. But due to the national crisis, the ad has been withdrawn. Catholic League president William Donohue commented as follows:

“We were ready to air a one-minute ad on TV aimed at getting new members, but due to the terrorist attacks on the United States, I have had it withdrawn. The ad was to appear for the next several weeks on select shows on cable television.

“It is nothing if not scurrilous to exploit a tragic moment like this for the self-interest of any individual or organization. There is a time and a place for everything and now is not the time to run our ad. It will run, however, at a later date, but to do so now would be callous and unethical. Hence the decision to put the ad on ice.

“Our prayers are with all those who have lost a loved one in this moment of horror. We also pray that justice will be done to those responsible for these unspeakable crimes against humanity.”

Catholic League members should know that we are determined to run our ad on “The O’Reilly Factor” and “Hannity and Colmes” on the Fox News Channel and on “Hardball with Chris Matthews” on MSNBC. But we will wait until things settle down before doing so. Many thanks to all those who contributed so generously to this campaign.